Obituary of Leonard Dean Clay

Obituary

 Leonard Clay was born on March 28, 1938 in Emelle, Alabama to Rosie and Willie Clay. He spent the majority of his life in  Sioux City, Iowa with his mother, brother (Willie Clay) and sister (Mae Pearl) until he enlisted in the Army in 1966.

Leonard was honored in his academic and military careers.  While in the army, Leonard served two tours in Vietnam.   During his service in World War II he was honored with 2 bronze service stars.  Because of his injuries from the war he retired in 1969.

In the early 1970s he moved to Trenton, New Jersey where he met his wife Annie Clay.  In 1975 he moved to Washington DC purchased a taxi cab and operated his transportation business. He would tell stories of how he met several politicians and some celebrities while driving . He used the flexibility of his self employment to earn his Bachelors in English from the University of the District of Columbia in 1979 where he was consistently on the Deans List.

Leonard, known to many as Clay, had many passions.  He was religious and studied the Holy Quran. He enjoyed writing and developed a short story called a Foot Soldier. He was an avid movie goer and analyzed plots , themes and the overall moral of films. He prided himself on talking care of his body.  He ate healthy and exercise vigorously. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and was generous to those in need.

Leonard is survived by his wife Annie Clay. Daughters Kimberly and Karen Kelsey. Granddaughter Allyse and Amber Kelsey.  Grandsons Travis and Marquese Kelsey. Niece Rosemary Donnelly and cousin Fannie Brown. Great granddaughters Alonna and Ariana Bynum.